August 13, 2009

Industry bites down on alligator harvester

by ssavage

An alligator harvester in Hallandale Beach, Fla., says a big drop in the market price for alligator skin is taking a bite out of his bottom line.

All American Gator owner Brian Wood said with the price of alligator skin dropping from $44 per foot in 2008 to as low as $12 a foot this year, he has been forced to seek additional sources of income rather than selling the skins to Italian designers, The Miami Herald reported Thursday.

I just can't see giving away the skins for $12 a foot,'' Wood said of the financial pinch felt in the alligator skin industry. It's absurd.''

In an effort to increase profits, Wood is turning to retail to sell leather goods created by his company. Among his company's products are leather wallets, jackets and boots.

In addition to his company's alligator wallets and handbags, he will offer fashion items made of iguana skin.

We're making a more affordable item for more people to enjoy,'' Wood told the Herald. We can still make money on it."